Why and How; Engineering

If we set the way-back machine to late 1978, we encounter Yours Truly, somewhat freshly emerged from the oven in which I had been the figurative bun, and steadily progressing to being the fellow I am today.  My parents would tell you that one tendency I have always possessed, from a pathologically early age, is the desire to question why.  They learned early on that asking me to do something was pointless if it didn’t include an explanation as to what the goal of the project was, and unfortunately for them, I was always more than willing to make the requested job as efficiently as possible.

Flash forward several decades, and I’m again asking why.  Why, I wonder, do I do what I do?  Why do I get a thrill out of engineering?

I paid for my education with hours adding up to days adding up to weeks, months, and years managing a movie theater.  As soon as I could, as soon as I’d obtained the skills necessary to approach the broad concepts of design, I seized upon the first opportunity that presented itself; as it happened, a co-worker mentioned that his friend required some design work and, ahem, didn’t I go to school for that?

The next step is meeting with his friend, a mid-level manager at a regional group entertainment company.  They include face-painting for children, and are painted into the sad corner of having to use this faulty and costly airbrush to do so.  Their goal is to design something equivalent that they own the rights to, and if at all possible, isn’t quite so costly or pathetic.

On having a look at what they’re using and how they’re using it, it immediately becomes clear that I have an obligation to help.  For reasons unknown, the designer of their current airbrush has elected to use a bizarre combination of 2 springs (one compression and one torsion), two shear pins of differing sizes, three cast and four machined brass pieces all held together with metric fasteners in an otherwise standard configuration.  It was, for want of a better term, nightmarish.  The end result was large, costly, difficult to use and near impossible to repair. 

Over the course of two weeks in my spare time, I managed to pare down the function of this device to its essentials.  My end result was demonstrated to the upper management of my associate’s company to the tune of many a dropped jaw and expression of wonderment.  I halved the weight, dropped the machined part count to 3 from 7 and purchased part count from 8 to 6.  The per-unit cost halved and, best of all, they owned the rights to the design. 

Flash forward to a few months ago, and on a jog through beautiful Mission Bay Park, I come across a gathering being tended by the above-mentioned company.  Sure as you’re born, they’re still doing face-painting, and with some creative infiltration, I am able to catch a glimpse of the hardware they’re using. 

Sure as you’re born, it’s my design.  It’s lasted 8 years unchanged, still in operation, and a quick Q and A with the fellow using it tells me it’s perfectly fine and nobody has any complaints with it. 

So, back to the question:  Why?  That’s why.  This world is full of things that could stand to be a little better, and I’m fortunate enough to be able to do my small part toward this betterment.  Here’s to you, Engineering.  You rule.

-James